Architect

Overview and Key Facts

What Do They Do?

An architect could...

Overview Listen to this section

The essayist and poet Ralph Waldo Emerson called Greek architecture the "flowering of geometry." Architects blend art and science, designing structures for people, such as houses, apartments, schools, stores, malls, offices, places of worship, museums, sports stadiums, music theaters, and convention centers. Their designs must take into account not only the structure's appearance, but its safety, function, environmental impact, and cost. Architects often participate in all phases of design, from the initial consultation with the clients where the structure is envisioned, to its completion. Architects can enrich people lives by creating structures that are as beautiful to look at as they are functional to live, work, or shop in.

Do You Have the Skills and Characteristics of an Architect?

1. Operations Analysis: ? Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
2. Speaking: ? Talking to others to convey information effectively.
3. Reading Comprehension: ? Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
4. Critical Thinking: ? Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
5. Writing: ? Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

6. Active Listening: ? Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
7. Judgment and Decision Making: ? Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
8. Complex Problem Solving: ? Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
9. Monitoring: ? Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
10. Active Learning: ? Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Core Tasks

Think about if you'd like the typical tasks an Architect might do:

• Develop final construction plans that include aesthetic representations of the structure or details for its construction.
• Prepare scale drawings or architectural designs, using computer-aided design or other tools.
• Prepare information regarding design, structure specifications, materials, color, equipment, estimated costs, or construction time.
• Consult with clients to determine functional or spatial requirements of structures.
• Meet with clients to review or discuss architectural drawings.
• Integrate engineering elements into unified architectural designs.
• Monitor the work of specialists, such as electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, interior designers, or sound specialists to ensure optimal form or function of designs or final structures.
• Plan layouts of structural architectural projects.
• Conduct periodic on-site observations of construction work to monitor compliance with plans.
• Plan or design structures such as residences, office buildings, theatres, factories, or other structural properties in accordance with environmental, safety, or other regulations.
• Prepare contract documents for building contractors.
• Direct activities of technicians engaged in preparing drawings or specification documents.
• Administer construction contracts.
• Create three-dimensional or interactive representations of designs, using computer-assisted design software.
• Represent clients in obtaining bids or awarding construction contracts.
• Develop marketing materials, proposals, or presentations to generate new work opportunities.
• Perform predesign services, such as feasibility or environmental impact studies.
• Design structures that incorporate environmentally friendly building practices or concepts, such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards.
• Design or plan construction of green building projects to minimize adverse environmental impact or conserve energy.